Roadway Hazard Accidents in Columbia, SC

Dangerous road conditions contribute to serious accidents throughout Columbia and Richland County. Potholes, uneven pavement, shoulder drop-offs, debris, inadequate signage, and poor maintenance create hazards that cause drivers to lose control, swerve into other lanes, or collide with vehicles and objects. These roadway defects often result in crashes that leave victims with significant injuries and property damage.

Road hazards cause thousands of accidents across Columbia each year, yet determining who bears responsibility for these crashes requires specialized legal knowledge. When government entities or private contractors create or ignore dangerous roadway conditions, innocent drivers suffer catastrophic injuries. At Stewart Law Offices, our Car accident lawyers in Columbia, SC have successfully handled complex roadway hazard cases for over three decades, holding negligent parties accountable when preventable road defects cause harm.

Why Roadway Hazards Cause Serious Accidents

According to the Federal Highway Administration, potholes and poor road surfaces cost Americans over $26.5 billion in vehicle damage in 2021. Beyond property damage, inadequate road surfaces reduce road friction, affecting vehicles’ stopping ability and maneuverability and potentially resulting in crashes.

Road hazards that commonly cause accidents in Columbia include:

  • Potholes or uneven pavement
  • Construction zones with poor signage
  • Fallen debris or unsecured cargo
  • Malfunctioning traffic signals
  • Poor lighting or visibility
  • Standing water or inadequate drainage

Common Types of Crashes Caused by Roadway Hazards

Roadway defects contribute to various crash types:

  • Single-Vehicle Loss of Control: Drivers may lose control after hitting potholes, encountering shoulder drop-offs, or swerving to avoid debris. These crashes often result in collisions with guardrails, trees, utility poles, or roadside embankments.
  • Multi-Vehicle Collisions: When one driver swerves to avoid a road hazard, they may enter another vehicle’s path, causing sideswipe crashes, rear-end collisions, or head-on impacts.
  • Motorcycle Crashes: Potholes and pavement defects pose extreme dangers to motorcyclists, who can easily lose control when encountering uneven surfaces.
  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents: Sidewalk defects, crosswalk problems, and pavement issues create hazards for vulnerable road users.

Injuries Common in Roadway Hazard Accidents

Crashes caused by road defects often result in serious injuries:

  • Traumatic brain injuries from impacts with steering wheels, dashboards, or roadside objects
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis from loss of control crashes
  • Neck and back injuries from sudden impacts or vehicle rollovers
  • Broken bones and fractures from collisions with fixed objects
  • Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
  • Lacerations and soft tissue injuries
  • Psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress

Establishing Liability in Roadway Hazard Cases

Determining liability in roadway defect cases requires identifying the responsible party and proving they failed to maintain the road properly.

  • Government Entity Liability: Most roads in Columbia are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, Richland County, or the City of Columbia. Government entities have a duty to maintain roads in reasonably safe condition and repair known hazards within a reasonable time.
  • Private Property Owner Liability: Parking lots, private roads, and access roads on commercial property are the responsibility of property owners. Business owners must maintain safe driving surfaces for customers and visitors.
  • Construction Company Liability: When road work creates hazards through improper signage, inadequate traffic control, or failure to secure the work zone, construction companies may be liable for resulting accidents.
  • Utility Company Liability: Companies that excavate roads to install or repair underground utilities must properly restore road surfaces. Defective repairs can create liability for the utility company.

Injuries Caused by Roadway Hazard Accidents

The sudden nature of roadway hazard accidents often results in severe trauma.

Common injuries include:

  • Spinal cord injuries from violent vehicle movements
  • Traumatic brain injuries from collisions with barriers or other vehicles
  • Whiplash and neck injuries from sudden stops
  • Broken bones and crush injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Severe lacerations requiring plastic surgery
  • Psychological trauma including PTSD

Compensation Available in Roadway Hazard Claims

Victims may recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Visit Our Car Accident Attorneys in Columbia

Contact Our Columbia Car Accident Attorneys Today

If a dangerous road condition caused your accident in Columbia or anywhere in the Midlands, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Contact Stewart Law Offices immediately for a free, confidential case evaluation.

Call 803-743-4200 or contact us to discuss your roadway hazard accident with an experienced attorney. Let us fight to hold negligent parties accountable while you focus on recovery.